Newly Discovered Species Of Crustaceans

In recent journeys to Madagascar, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Philippines, and French Polynesia, scientists from the Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes and the University of Barcelona have discovered not only five new crustaceous species, but also the existence of a new genus in the family.

This is one of the five new species found, Lauriea teresae. Photo by: Enrique Marcpherson.

These species can be found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans but not in the American Pacific. They are generally in shallow water and mostly in areas of coral reef. Some are endemic, as they only live on an archipelago or in a very specific area, whereas others spread from Madagascar to the French Polynese.

“During the expeditions, animals were collected in nets, traps, dredges, and through diving methods. The samples were then divided on the boat or in a lab, and after were sent to experts in each of the taxonomic groups. Macpherson himself specializes in squat lobsters, the group of crustaceans studied.